The life expectancy of people with progeria is approximately thirteen years. Suffering from this disease of premature aging, Sammy Basso was a dean at the age of 28. Victim of this Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome since his birth, the Italian died on Saturday October 5 while having dinner with friends. According to Italian media, the young man felt unwell during a meal at a restaurant.
Since the announcement of his death, testimonies have been pouring in to salute the courage of this man who was a brilliant academic. According to the Italian press, he was the oldest patient of this premature aging in the world.
Engaged in research into his illness
The young man was notably entitled to a tribute from the head of the Italian government Giorgia Meloni. “Sammy Basso was an extraordinary example of courage, faith and positive spirit. He faced every challenge with a smile, proving that strength of soul can overcome any obstacle,” she wrote. Before praising his work to try to better understand this disease. “His commitment in progeria research and his ability to inspire others will forever remain a model to follow,” added the Prime Minister.
Born on December 1, 1995 in northern Italy, Sammy Basso studied at university in Padua and specialized in molecular biology in 2021 with a thesis seeking to clarify the relationship between inflammation and progeria, according to the daily La Repubblica. Sammy Basso was active on social networks, followed by more than 70,000 people on Instagram.